El Salvador defeated Curacao 2-0 in the second match of Group C in the 2017 Gold Cup. The game was played at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Colorado.
El Salvador beat Curacao 2-0 in the second round of Group C in the Concacaf Gold Cup. This result gives them hope of advancing to the quarterfinals.
In the match held in Denver, United States, the Salvadorans scored through midfielder Gerson Mayen (21) and forward Rodolfo Zelaya (24).
Curacao began the game with an offensive scheme that led to a couple of dangerous chances against the Salvadoran goal, defended by Derby Carrillo. However, El Salvador did not let themselves be impressed by their opponents and pressured them defensively.
In the 21st minute, defender Mayen made a powerful shot that sent the ball into the back of Curacao's net, putting El Salvador ahead 1-0.
Three minutes later, El Salvador increased their lead through forward Zelaya.
El Salvador vs. Curacao: confirmed lineups
El Salvador: Carrillo; Romero, Mancia, Tamacas; Ceren, Pineda, Mayen, Orellana, Larin; Zelaya, Bonilla.
Curacao: Room; Justiana, Jakoba, Lachman, Mulder; Nepomuceno, Gaari, Hooi, Bacuna; Janga, Antonia.
And the second one by @LaSelecta_ESA, a goal by Rodolfo Zelaya. pic.twitter.com/MI621DflFL
— Hincha Indignado (@HinchaIndignado) July 14, 2017
El Salvador scores!
Gerson Mayen opens the scoring in the match...#CopaOro2017 pic.twitter.com/oNievzR73V— Teletica Deportes (@TeleticaTD7) July 14, 2017
After suffering from possession and attacking play against Mexico, El Salvador was defeated 3-1 and suffered the loss of goalkeeper Benji Villalobos due to a ligament injury in his right knee.
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In this situation, coach Eduardo Lara could start Derby Carrillo in goal against Curacao. Carrillo has been heavily criticized since 2016 when he made serious mistakes in the World Cup qualifying match against Honduras, which ended in a 2-2 draw at Cuscatlan Stadium.
El Salvador vs. Curacao: match schedule
| Country | Time |
| Mexico | 7:00 p.m. |
| Peru | 7:00 p.m. |
| Colombia | 7:00 p.m. |
| Ecuador | 7:00 p.m. |
| Venezuela | 8:00 p.m. |
| Bolivia | 8:00 p.m. |
| Chile | 8:00 p.m. |
| Paraguay | 8:00 p.m. |
| Uruguay | 9:00 p.m. |
| Argentina | 9:00 p.m. |
| Brazil | 9:00 p.m. |
| Spain | 2:00 a.m. |
On the other hand, despite their 2-0 defeat against Jamaica, Curacao left a good impression with the 18 shots they attempted and the 27 crosses they made into the box in their first ever Gold Cup match.
For coach Remko Bicentini, improving their finishing against El Salvador is crucial.
"Our expectations against El Salvador remain as high as they were for the game against Jamaica, where we had possession of the ball. Now we hope to improve," said Bicentini.
Source: AFP
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